Throughout our lives, our bodies constantly repair, rebuild, and maintain themselves using natural cellular processes. Cells communicate with each other through signalling systems that help different parts of the body work together smoothly. When these communication systems break down because of injury or disease, regenerative medicine seeks to provide solutions. Its goal is to develop devices and cell-based treatments that can help to repair or replace the function of damaged tissues. Examples include artificial kidneys, replacement lenses for cataract treatment, and stem-cell-based therapies for repairing the cornea of the eye.
For these treatments to work well, they must interact appropriately with the body at the bio-interface – the point where a medical device or tissue engineered product meets living cells. One of the important challenges in the field is understanding this interface so we can create devices that not only function well but can also sense and respond to the body’s signals.
This talk will explore how new technologies – especially those related to artificial organs – are being designed to better understand and “speak the same language” as cells. Using examples from the eye, kidney, liver, and treatments for chronic wounds, it will show how improved communication between devices and living tissues is leading to better, more responsive approaches to functional tissue repair.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, researcher, patient, student or simply curious about how research surrounding biomaterials and tissue engineering is evolving, this lecture offers insights into a rapidly progressing field.
Free event. All are welcome. If you would like to attend, please register online no later than 48 hours prior to the event.